East Texas Rod & Reel

Quality Fishing Equipment
& Custom Fishing Rods

How to Clean a Baitcast Fishing Reel

Store/Articles/How to Clean a Baitcast Fishing Reel

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR BAITCAST REEL

A Baitcast Reel should be thoroughly cleaned and lubed at least once a year and more often if used heavily. Disassembling and reassembling a fishing reel can be intimidating to most Anglers. This article will cover the steps (with minimal disassembly) to maintaining your reel between those annual Deep Cleanings which can be performed by a Reel Tech if so desired.

As most Baitcast Reels are alike in design, each model will possess its own uniqueness. It is good practice to review each Reel's Schematic for clarity. Most Fishing Reel Manufacturers include a Schematic with the Reel. The Internet is also a great resource for locating one.

Ok, Let's get started....But only Proceed with the following Reel Cleaning steps if you feel competent in your abilities.

1. If your reel has line on the spool place a small piece of Painters Tape over the tag end to secure it to the spool.

2. With a soft damp cloth (eg, baby wipe) wipe the exterior parts of your reel to remove any dirt and grime. Be sure to wring out any excess liquid from the cloth first.

3. Remove the non-handle side plate. Some reels require screws to be removed, some require a pin to be pulled to twist the side plate off.

4. With a cotton swab gently clean any dirt and grime from the interior of the side plate.

5. Apply one small drop of oil on the side plate bearing.

6. Next, remove the spool and wipe it down with a clean cotton swab.

7. Apply one small drop of oil on the handle side plate bearing.

8. Apply one small drop of oil to each end of the spool axle.

9. Reinstall the spool into the handle side plate.

10. Reinstall the non-handle side plate. If screwed on, apply a drop of oil on the stud threads.

11. Remove the spool tension cap and apply a small drop of oil in the cap.

12. Reinstall the spool tension cap.

13. Use a clean cotton swab to wipe the level wind assembly including the worm gear.

14. Apply a small amount of oil on the worm gear and level wind guides. Turn the reel handle until the level wind makes a full trip over the worm gear to disperse the oil.

15. Apply a small drop of oil to each knob on the handle.

16. Crank the handle several times, alternating the knobs.

17. Wipe off any excess oil.

That's it....you're done!

Maintaining your reels after every fishing trip and thoroughly deep cleaning them once a year will prolong their life and avoid the dreaded equipment failure when on the water.

God Bless

You may also like "How to Clean Your Spinning Reel"

Also Check out "3 Best Catfish Reels - Under $90"

Piscifun Fishing Tackle Click Below

When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. It is sincerely appreciated when you use these links to make your purchases.

Sort by

Filters

Clear all

Filters

Clear all

Piscifun® Chaos XS Round Baitcasting Reel

$0.00

Custom Fishing Rod with Red, White, and Blue Tiger Wrap and a Cross

Fishing Rod Custom Built Your Way

Start Building!

$0.00

Plano 3-Drawer Tackle Box XL - Green/Beige

$99.99

Reviews

***** "The quality of the items ordered were excellent and the customer service we received was second to none. Will definitely buy from seller again." Kris